View from the Room: The Talbot, Coaching Inn, Oundle
As with all Coaching Inns, the Talbot is in the middle of the action. Meaning it’s in the centre of the tiny Northamptonshire village, of Oundle. There is nothing around other wonderful parks, a small High Street and lots of Oundle School buildings. I’m guessing people involved with the large private establishment keep the economy going here.
We’ve been to this one before though; We stopped on a previous road trip, probably to Norfold, and enjoyed coffee here. so we replicated that fabulous memory, sitting on the same sofa. They still serve a cup of Matersers with the coffee. Utterly delightful. Can you imagine if all coffee shops did that with their approaching £4 for a cup?
Our room was in one of the outbuildings, as is often the case with Coaching Inns. It looks out to the courtyard with a Drummingwell Room which made me and the percussionist boyfriend giggle every time we went past.
Storage
A desk, shelf unit with TV on top and built-in luggage rack provide plenty of storage space. Most of it is unused as we’re only here for a couple of nights for the first May bank holiday.
There is plenty more shelving in the wardrobe housing half a dozen quality wooden hangers. Most importantly there is that hotel rarity of a chest of drawers.
A fabulous slide-out tray at the base of the shelf unit which I didn’t spot initially
Food and drink
Espresso machine and 2 cups
The kettle is most important as they always supply fantastic filter coffee bags. One bag can make too small mugs and you can ask for a jug of milk from the restaurant
Large tumblers
Mugs
2 plastic water bottles which I am hoping in future will be a jug of water
We had an excellent breakfast at the hotel which is a mix of cold buffet and food made to order.
Plus an equally fantastic dinner. It’s a little pricey at Coaching Inns the restaurants are so comfy and the food is delicious. Plus we were celebrating the 13th anniversary of the day we met.
Also customary at Coaching Inns, the Roberts radio, games and books are on the shelf. There is a large fan and the usual iron and board are in the wardrobe, although for some reason we had two irons.
The bathroom has a handheld shower over the bath.
Tissues
The hotel chain’s full-sized available-to-buy toiletries; shower gel, hand soap, shampoo and conditioner plus lovely body/hand cream so I didn’t use my own.
Beautifully soft bath and hand towels plus a bath mat
Hairdryer
Towel rail
Most importantly, that other hotel rarity, not one but 2 hooks.
The room is super comfortable with plenty of lighting and power and USB sockets.
The Talbot receives five stars for service like every Coaching Inn we have stayed at.
